Supreme Court To Decide If Inmate Can Grow Beard

The Supreme Court will hear the case of an Arkansas inmate who wants to grow a beard for religious reasons. Gregory H. Holt is serving a life sentence for burglary and domestic battery. He said his Muslim faith required him to grow a beard, which is not permitted by state policy.

From The New York Times:

The state’s policy allows trimmed mustaches, along with quarter-inch beards for those with dermatologic problems. Prison officials said the ban on other facial hair was needed to promote “health and hygiene,” to minimize “opportunities for disguise” and to help prevent the concealment of contraband.